Tong gau

Dog breed

Overview

The Tang Dog (唐狗) is an ancient medium-sized dog breed indigenous to southern China. Tang dogs are prized as a companion and watch dog but are also occasionally used for hunting and as meat dogs. The breed is named for the Tang Dynasty, a period of prosperity in China.

Appearance

Appearance: The Tang dog has a rich coat, compact body and short stature. It is a medium-sized dog with a ratio of shoulder height to body length of 10:10. The face has a bluish-black tongue, a large, broad nose, and long, slightly sloping eyes. Tang dogs are always solid colors, which may include cream, red or black.

History

History: Tang dogs are native to southern China and have been used for thousands of years in southern China as loyal gatekeepers.

In the 2000s, the Tang Dog Association was established in Hong Kong to raise people's attention to Tang dogs. In 2017, a Tang Dog won the World Dog Show championship at the dog show held by the Chinese Kennel Union.

Every pet is one of a kind. This guide covers what's typical for the breed, but your own dog or cat will have their own personality, quirks and needs — think of it as a friendly starting point, not the final word. Whenever you'd like advice tailored to your companion, the team at OC Pets is always happy to help.
Sources (reused under open licences, with thanks): Wikipedia — “Tong gau” (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Wikidata (CC0) · image (CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons) · Compiled by OC Pets Veterinary Clinic, updated 15-06-2026.